Contaminated Pet Food: What's The Damage?

June 29, 2007, 12:00 AM EDT

Law360, New York (June 29, 2007, 12:00 AM EDT) -- Reports of contaminated pet food have been filling the news in recent weeks. The question on everyone’s mind is "What are the damages?" In Michigan, the answer is "Not much."

While pet owners may unconditionally love their cats and dogs, the monetary legal value of these furry family members is negligible. Pets have long been considered personal property in Michigan. Ten Hopen v Walker, 96 Mich. 236, 239 (1893). While some would have you believe otherwise, animals are not human beings.